Kinshasa, DRC — Despite the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) recent foray into the global sovereign capital markets, raising $1. 25 billion through its first international bond issuance, a stark reality of escalating food prices remains a pressing concern across the nation.
In February to March 2026, the median cost of the Minimum Expenditure Basket (MEB) saw a 5% increase across the country.
The price variations are notable, with the highest cost recorded in the Maroc market of Yumbi in the province of Maï-Ndombe, where the median MEB reached 808,329 francs congolais (FC).
In contrast, the lowest median was in Kikwit’s central market in the province of Kwilu, at 263,059 FC. These price hikes, according to local traders, are largely attributed to increased transportation costs and higher prices from suppliers. This comes as the humanitarian situation in the DRC remains critical, with nine territories in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), signaling widespread food insecurity.
While the country’s improved economic position is a commendable achievement, it does not translate into immediate relief for the populace.
The rising costs of essential items like maize flour, oil, and cassava flour underscore the challenges faced by the 26. 6 million people projected to face acute food insecurity through June 2026.
The functionality of some markets, like those in Uvira, has seen improvement between February and March, primarily due to better physical and secure access.
However, others, like Kalimabenge market, continue to face functionality issues.
The REACH Initiative and the Initiative conjointe de suivi des marchés (ICSM) have played pivotal roles in providing crucial market data, which is essential for informing humanitarian response strategies.
The DRC’s economic strides and humanitarian needs highlight the country’s complex reality.
As it moves towards stability and prosperity, it is crucial to address the immediate challenges of food insecurity and ensure that economic growth is equitably distributed across all segments of society. RESEARCH STATUS: The rewrite is based solely on the verified source material provided. RETURN FORMAT COMPLIED.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: REACH Initiative
